Utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning for enhanced recycling efforts

Abstract

One industry that has benefitted largely from the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in its processes is recycling, providing significant advancements in waste management towards sustainability and environmental conservation. This chapter highlights the application of AI and ML in various waste streams (plastic, electronic food, paper, textile, metal etc. wastage). These systems use AI-powered image recognition and sorting to better separate materials, helping in increasing the efficiency of chemical recycling technologies; meanwhile ML algorithms enable cleaner processes for handling chemicals from material recovery. Increased precision in the removal of valuable components from electronic waste via automated disassembly and predictive analytics. Using AI and ML in recycling has helped to increase operational efficiency, resources recovery but also shown clear contributions for the environment overall to ensure sustainable future ahead. © 2025, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved.